President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has conferred the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel on Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, in recognition of his contributions to peace and stability in the West African nation.
The decoration took place during a colourful parade marking the 17th Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.
According to a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Samaila Uba, the honour was bestowed on General Oluyede in acknowledgement of his service in Sierra Leone under the Economic Community of West Africa Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) and in appreciation of the sacrifices made by Nigerian officers and soldiers who played a pivotal role in restoring peace during the country’s civil war.
While reading the citation, the Sierra Leonean authorities highlighted General Oluyede’s deployment as a Platoon Commander at the residence of the then Head of State of Sierra Leone between 1992 and 1994. His leadership, professionalism and commitment to safeguarding government institutions and ensuring national stability were described as exemplary.
The ceremony also honoured several other distinguished military figures from Nigeria, Guinea, the United Kingdom, the United States and Kenya. Among them were former Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, Martin Luther Agwai (rtd); Lt Gen Daniel Opande of Kenya (rtd); Lt Gen Ibrahima Sory Bangoura of Guinea; Maj Gen Paul Rogers of the United States; and Brig Gen Edward Butler (rtd) of the United Kingdom.
During the event, solemn tribute was paid to the courage, sacrifice and solidarity of the Nigerian Armed Forces, whose role under ECOMOG was described as central to regional peace enforcement efforts at the height of Sierra Leone’s civil war.
The Nigerian contingent was commended for its bravery, resilience and commitment to the protection of civilians, reinforcing longstanding defence ties and regional cooperation between Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
About The Author
